For many of us, this is a particularly cold winter and not one during which we would consider venturing outside for very long unless absolutely necessary. For the winery team however, there’s another important event on the annual calendar, called pruning, and it’s an outdoors all-day task not for those averse to the cold.

After the harvest, and during Autumn, the vine’s leaves change colour and fall gently to the ground, prompting the plant to enter a dormant state. This state lasts well beyond other deciduous plants, awaiting that important moment when the average air temperature climb to more amiable conditions. Pruning involves the removal of much of that year’s growth and is typically carried out during winter and early spring. It’s obviously easier, and faster, to prune once there are no leaves on the plant, and the growth cycle has come to a halt; and although the timing varies according to many factors, pruning must be completed well in advance of the spring budbreak.

The principal aims are to prompt the vine to produce fewer, but larger bunches, of grapes and to control vigorous vine growth by limiting the vines ability to produce foliage. Another reason to prune is to maintain the shape of a vine or establish a young vine’s growth pattern in order to conform to the vineyard management practices. This control enables the vineyard team to train and manage rows of vines, often facilitating vineyard treatment regimens and harvesting plans. The types of training and methods of pruning employed are still regulated by the ‘Appellation Controlée’ structure in France and are often prescribed in the wine regulations of other old-world wine regions. These same controls are not usual in new world producers, but for many EU wine regions, the methods of pruning and training have been tried and established over many years and form a part of the region’s unique identity.

Essentially there are two differing methods of pruning employed in vineyards: Spur pruning or Cane pruning. They are the basis for a manifold range of more elaborate variations of these techniques.

Spurs are very short vine canes formed by cutting back the cane to less than four nodes – the part where the leaf is attached. The two fruiting canes that originated from this year’s growth are cut back: one being completely removed, the other to just two nodes and will later develop into two new fruit bearing canes.

It’s quite a severe form of pruning and it’s normal to remove almost all of that year’s growth, often leaving the vine looking rather debilitated. But once the growing cycle begins afresh, with the coming of spring, the plant flourishes again. The method and degree of pruning will impact the growth of buds in Spring and ultimately the quantity and size of the bunches and berries production.

Spur pruning is commonly used on free-standing vines such as those trained in the Gobelet style (as seen in photo) – common throughout much of Southern France. The vine trunks are maintained very short so that there is little more than Â½ metre of the vine above ground level, it resembles miniature aged wooden shrubs after pruning and looks rather bush-like during the growing cycle, giving rise to the term ‘bush vines’. Surveying the high-density plantings of sites in parts of Burgundy after pruning can make for an eerie landscape view, as a sea of tiny gnarled stumps across the expansive gently undulating vineyards stretches out before you.

The other common form of spur pruning is the Cordon. The vines typically have a similarly short trunk above ground level but a branch or cane is trained by wire along one side of the vine and this hardened wood and is never cut away, instead the spurs that it supports are pruned each year. This form of pruning is one of the most suitable for vineyards where mechanical harvesting is used and there are two forms: Cordon de Royat where a single cane is maintained and the double or bilateral Cordon where two canes are trained.

Cane pruning involves maintaining a cane and a spur. As part of winter pruning the previous years cane is clipped off and a new one from the spur is trained down to support that years growth. The quantity of buds that are left on the cane are determined by the regional wine regulations to encourage. Those regions of the wine world where these type of regulation don’t apply often have canes with many more buds producing more bunches, though planting densities are typically much lower. The Guyot system developed in France is a simple form of cane pruning and is practiced in single form or in double guyot form through much of Bordeaux. Vines are pruned to retain two canes with two spurs each, the canes are the trained in opposite direction with wires.

Pruning and vine training are closely related and the pruning method adopted will depend on the way the vine is trained. Training usually connotes the use of a supporting structure that can be anything from a stake in the earth to complex trellising systems.

The vine can be trained to greater heights depending on macro and micro-climatic requirements and historical practices. In the case of the long used Pergola training systems of the Vino Verde region of Northern Portugal the vines were trained high above the ground often allowing the producer to grow a second crop on the ground beneath. The method was believed to facilitate air circulation that mitigated the effects of humidity and damp in this marginal climate, though in recent years many viticulturalist are moving away from the Pergolas.

Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) is a training system achieved by tethering canes to trellis wires supported by posts down the rows and is used in conjunction with single or double guyot cane pruning or with cordon spur pruned vines. It can be spur or cane pruned and is widely practised in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne.

One great way to get a better handle on training and trellising systems in particular would be to visit the very well presented demonstration at ‘Clos du Val‘ in the Stags Leap District in Napa, California where they maintain a mini-vineyard of 20 rows of Merlot each one trained and pruned to show a specific style including Scott Henry and Smart Dyson.

The reasons for adopting one method of training and pruning involve important factors such as climate, rainfall and sun exposure. Vine training is important in regulation the circulation flow of air within the vine canopy. Also, site, soil type and the variety of the vine will play a role as will economic drivers, mechanization or harvesting requirements and prospective yield. As mentioned earlier wine laws within EU wine producing regions will also specifically ascribe a training and pruning method right down to the number of buds permitted on a cane.

The time it takes to prune a vineyard depend on vine density – the quantity of vines planted – and on the pruning method employed. Increasing labour costs have led to the development of some mechanized pruning or pre-pruning systems but these are mainly for use in large scale vineyard operations and where the terrain permits.

For most quality producers across the manually tended vineyards of Europe pruning means wrapping up warm and spending days or weeks among the vines, armed only with a pair of gloves and some stout secateurs. The Wine Doctor also has a great article on pruning if you need more information.

Sincerely,

Raymondo

John Radford(Spain)
I don’t think that, given modern viticultural techniques, there is a lot of difference between Spain and the rest of Europe. The high-profile regions (e.g. Priorat) tend to be making wines from ancient, low-yielding vines whch are likely to be pruned en vaso or, in hotter regions, en cabeza, although I was in Rías Baixas a couple of years ago and visited tiny vineyards with 300-year-old vines trained on pergolas, which is, of course, traditional in that area. Training on wires is a more modern technique, which is good for high-producing vineyards as in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, for example. I don’t think that Spanish viticulture is unique in any of this. Portugal, Italy and Greece and, indeed, anywhere else in the Mediterranean, have been using these old-fashioned systems for centuries in ancient vineyards. Most modern vineyards use more modern methods, but many of Europe’s most interesting wines come from traditional vineyards. (www.johnradford.com)

Rui Reguinga (Portugal)

In a short paragraph about pruning the vines in the South of Portugal, Alentejo, Ribatejo and Terras do Sado:
” The vines in the south of Portugal need to be pruned so that they may effectively resist the harsh climate. In the summertime, they are submitted to very hot temperatures and very little water. Thus, we use a traditional trellising system, similar to the south of Spain, which is in a “gobeletâ€ formation. In Portuguese, we call it ” taçaâ€ , which is typically used for old vines. But now with modern viticulture, we need to optimize the costs of production, and with mechanization, all the new vines have ” double cordonâ€. Now we prune, and the best way to do it in these poor soils, and limited climate conditions, is to have the vines pruned quite short.â€ (www.ruireguinga.com)

Oscar Quevedo (Portugal)
Pruning represents the basis for a good harvest. Due to the extreme weather conditions in the Douro, with very hot and dry summers, we do not want our vines to produce many grapes. We only leave 4 brunches per vine, with two buds each. This way the vines can better handle the ripening process and can live longer. For making good wines, we need good grapes, and the quality of the grapes is highly correlated with pruning philosophy. If you do not push the vines to hard, they will give you a good wine! – Oscar Quevedo (www.quevedoportwines.com)

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This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class.
Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine.
The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino!
We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired.
Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all!
Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.

Penedes Wine Tour

About Guest Blogger

Over the course of time, we have accumulated several contributors to Catavino who are interested in publishing an article or two. We are extremely appreciative of their knowledge and desire to contribute to our vast archive on Spanish and Portuguese wine; and if you're interested in sharing an article with us, please don't hesitate to contact us at: contact@catavino.net

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Recently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. Ryan and his team of angels of Catavino created an absolute exceptional itinerary for our group of 10 from Minnesota. From our first winery visit to grape stomping to our splendid view from our hotel in the Douro Valley, the Catavino team left no details behind. We were treated like esteemed guests everywhere we went and even treated like family is more like it! I'm going through withdrawal and plan to go back with the whole family in the near future. One of our guests summed it up like this during one of our lunches, "Patti, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. Just when I think I had the best day ever, the next day is even better!"
I highly recommend anyone, whether it's the two of you or a group, to look no further than Ryan and Catavino who will customize and personalize an itinerary that will surprise and delight you beyond your wildest dreams. Amen

This was our second trip to Portugal. Catavino tweaked the itinerary to complement what we had done before. We would go back again!
The personal treatment we received from winery owners, restaurant owners, shop keepers was like no other trip we have ever taken.
5 stars- Catavino knows Portugal's wine country like no other!

A week like no other. Catavino designed an amazing tour for our private group. Ryan Opaz's personal relationship with so many in the wine/food industry allows for intimate experiences everywhere we went, unlike anything we have experienced before. Lisbon, the Duoro, Porto...all were fascinating. Catavino can design trips of any length and scope to suit your criteria. Obrigada!

Catavino is Ryan Opaz. But Ryan Opaz is not all of Catavino. There is a team behind the scenes. He is a Renaissance man with a great knowledge of food, wine and culture.
We enjoyed three days with Ryan as he guided us through the Douro Valley and the ancient town of Porto. Although Ryan has a huge database of facts in his brain, he is also a treasure house of stories. You will discover the “real” Douro and Porto, not the tourist version.
Ryan is always greeted like an old friend everywhere you go because he has a vast network of relationships. You will not get a stock tour: you will get an experience tailored to your interests and tastes.
Ryan will take you to places you cannot enter as a tourist on your own. The guides in the Quintas and Port Houses learn from Ryan, not the other way around.
American? Yes. Portuguese? Yes. Ryan lives in both cultures but is completely a “native” son of Portugal.
Recommended for the wine enthusiast and professional, and for small groups. You must get to know Catavino.

What an amazing trip with a fantastic group of people. It was an education about wine we couldn't have experienced anywhere else. Our guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgable and brought great enthusiasm to the experience.

Fantastic tour of the Portugal wine country organized and conducted by the Catavino team. Echoing the comments of the previous reviews below, my wife and I experienced one memorable experience topped each day by the next memorable experience. A week of friendship, learning and interacting all in an environment that was stimulating and stress free. Kudos to Catavino for a wonderful and supremely well organized trip.

Our Fall Harvest trip through the Douro valley led by Ryan Opaz and organized by the talented team at Catavino was truly a once in a lifetime experience (well maybe twice)! This was an ongoing visual and sensory experience from start to finish with several “pinch yourself” moments along the way. Like most learning experiences I feel like I’ve retained a fraction of what I learned about the wines and cuisine or Portugal. I guess that’s a reason to do it again

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

The Catavino team is world class. A tour with them is guaranteed to be something that you won't forget.
They show you a true picture of what goes on, busting myths about the wine and port industry to show you the real side of Douro. Their level of knowledge is incredible, and we had access to wine tasting, grape stomping and meet the faces behind the wine industry. I can't even begin to describe the amazing lunch at the farm, overlooking the most spectacular views that only the Douro provides - breath taking!!
It is guaranteed to be filled with passion and love, leaving you with a yearning to come back time and time again.
Can't recommend this enough.

My husband and I had a wonderful day on a private tour with Ryan throughout the Douro Valley. He is extremely knowledgeable and helped us learn to appreciate Port. Beyond the wonderful private tasting sessions, he also brought us to a delicious lunch at a local Portuguese restaurant. Throughout the entire day, he provided us with tips and recommendations for the remainder of our journey throughout Portugal. The whole day was the highlight of our trip! We would HIGHLY recommend it!

Ana arranged a trip for my client through Portugal. My client is a single woman traveling alone and she had the time of her life! I felt very good about having her in Catavino's hands. Thank you for introducing her to Portugal in such a wonderful manner.

I can only second the comments written here. Catavino is highly professional and will stop at nothing to give you an incredible, unforgettable time. All the biggest highlights from my recent trip to Portugal and Spain were made possible by Catavino. I know how much work goes into it- thank you so much Ryan and team. I'd trust you with my holidays any time.

We were part of the 2016 Harvest Tour and had the experience of a lifetime! The Douro Valley is breathtakingly beautiful and our guides were wonderful. Ryan and Gabriella must have called in all of their personal favors because we met and drank wine with many winemakers, a wine shop owner and tasted '72 port which Oscar Quevedo's grandfather had made. Doesn't get any more special than that! Of course, gourmet food at every meal as well. We'll be back!!

When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & offered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.

No enough words, even for a wordsmith like me, to say how wonderful it was spending time with Gabriella and Ryan. Our tour with Ryan as our guide to the Douro Valley was spectacular. Excellent wines, wonderful views, terrific people and a delightful lunch topped off with a lovely boat ride. Highly recommended!!

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This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class.
Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine.
The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino!
We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired.
Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all!
Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.